Molecular playground/beta 2 microglobulin

 Banner: Beta-2 microglobulin is a 12 kDa protein sub-unit of the class I major histocompatibility complex, and in dialysis patients, it forms amyloid fibrils in a condition known as dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA).

DRA is a complication of dialysis treatment in which these fibrils build up in joints causing pain and often eventually necessitating joint replacement. beta-2-microglobulin can self-assemble into amyloid fibrils under physiological conditions in vitro when copper is present.

Fibril assembly begins with the formation of a Dimer. Dimer formation is initiated when copper binds near the N-terminus, copper binding causes structural changes throughout the protein, creating two new planes. These planes interact in an antiparallel fashion forming the dimer.

Additional Resources
For additional information, see: Metabolic Disorders